This product design was developed over a number of years. We have purchased or built virtually every binding/purfling gadget and tool out there including the one with the router mounted on the sliding vertical stand. In our opinion none of them are very user friendly. The inspiration for this machine came while observing the crafts persons at the CF Martin Factory. These individuals effortlessly routed the top and back binding rebates in just a few minutes. Although skilled, it was obvious that they did not have a fear that their machines were going to initiate an improper cut. Also, they were in total control of the process and the guitar body. The same is true of the operation at the Taylor factory.

The following sets this machine apart from all others:· Cost – Ours is reasonably affordable where as the complicated, not so user friendly, West coast and Ohio style overhead machine with cutters is almost $700 and it is still unable to cut custom grooves or handle slightly over or under size binding and purflings!!!· Router Bit – No fancy expensive bits or bearing size math calculations required! All that is needed is a sharp 1/4" HSS (high speed steel) straight bit. Down-spiral bits yield great results--- up-spiral bits or end mills are not recommended.

· Setup – Infinite height and depth adjustment in about 2 minutes – No Bit or bearing changes – No carriage to adjust. We route D’s 000’s and J200 Jumbos using the same bit settings. Simply put the body on the “GBC Shuttle” and start.

· Control – The cutting bit is directly in front of the operator and guitar is easily and precisely guided on the platen using the “GBC Shuttle” The “GBC Shuttle” while eloquently simple in design, provides for variable height. In addition it automatically and gently handles tapered sides as well as top and back radius contours

· Quality – The captive bit feature virtually eliminates the possibility of damage caused by presenting the body at the wrong angle to the bit or vise versa

· Dust Collection – We are not aware of any other machine with this feature.

Note: photos are file copies of our prototype machine.

The set up parameters are established using the actual binding and purfling materials as gages. First step is to glue up a sample of the binding trim. In addition to providing the exact thickness and height of material, the slight compensation for the glue line is also inserted into the process.

Use glue-ups like the ones above as gages to adjust the height and depth of the cut. Height is set with the rack and pinion on the router and the Depth is set using the Infinite Adjustment Sliding Guide.

Place small piece of trim on the platen, raise the cutting edge of the bit flush with the top of the sample

To set the depth, use a small piece of material as a stop block. Rotate the bit so the tips of the cutting edges are parallel to the guide. Pinch the gage sample material between the stop block and the guide tighten the wing nuts.

After initial set-up, test the cut using pieces of scrap material, most likely fine adjustment will be necessary. To aide in the fine tuning, mark a short continuous line on the guide and slide base as illustrated below. This makes it easy to track the progress of your fine adjustments.

The KMG Binding Machine is the most user friendly device available, however it is advised that you take time to make some practice cuts to get familiar with the process before working on your guitar.

When you have the proper tool, like our binding channel system, cutting rebates is not all that difficult. However, realistically this process for many requires a completely new hand eye coordination skill set. So like all other new motor skills it should be rehearsed. When it is time to actually cut the channels on the prized instrument, the operator should be comfortable in the knowledge that he understands what the router is about to do and that he can control the tool to produce clean rebates in just a couple of passes. This is not a simplistic approach ---- anything less is a “hope and a prayer” not craftsmanship.

Practice cuts can be made using scrap material. Shape does not matter. Make cuts with the grain, against the grain, on the edges, on the flat sides. Get the feel of starting the cut. Stopping in the middle of a cut. Get comfortable holding and controlling the scrap material, gliding the it over the table with the shuttle while positioning the edge on the platen and against the guide. Developing this coordination simply improves productivity.

The “GBC” shuttle is placed on the table – “green side up” than the guitar is positioned on the shuttle. Note that in the idle position, the guitar is above and clear of the router bit. THIS FAIL SAFE MODE OCCURS ANY TIME THE BODY IS RELEASED --a good thing!

To make the actual cut simply place the edge of the guitar body on the platen and pull it into the bit. Think in terms of routing “one inch at a time” this is an important concept to visualize. --With ANY routing tool focus must be on the cutting bit.Simply keep the edge flat on the platen while feeding the body into the bit, this is easy to do and becomes automatic in a minute or two. Also, as the body is moved along keep the chord of the curve perpendicular the guide.

Since about the only error that can be made is a too shallow cut, moving the body across the platen and guide is a very quick process. There is no fear of the dreaded over cut or deep cut. Note that in our shop we actually complete the channels using three passes. A shallow cut, a finish cut and finally a clean up cut, paying close attention to carefully follow the curves as described above.

Unlike other tools there is no balancing act needed to prevent damage!!

The ability of the KMG Binding machine to easily cut the channels on the neck block end of the body sets it apart from the others. When routing this area, continue to keep the edge of the body positioned on the platen, in addition push down on the tail block section. The unique design of the “GBC” shuttle allows the operator to change attitude of the body so the edge at the neck block can be pulled tight into the guide while flat on the platen

The KMG Binding Machine as shipped usually has sufficient slope sanded on the front edge of the platen to allow the body to be tilted and pulled tight against the guide. If additional clearance is needed, use sand paper or a file to increase the slope angle on the end of the guide. Work slowly, only making small changes; check your work as you go. The idea is to keep as much of the platen flat as possible.

WHY IT WORKS!!

A hand held router must be guided along the side of the guitar. There are a few router attachments available that facilitate this action. The problem is, even with those devices there is a risk of tipping the router, which will result in a channel that is too deep and too wide on the top or back.

Remove the sliding guide and place three small 1/4" id washers on each bolt. Install the guide on top of the washers.

Note the gap that is formed between the bottom of the guide and the top of the platen.

Raise the bit just slightly higher then the bottom of the sliding guide. Adjust the sliding guide flush with the bit's cutting edge. With this set-up the side rides on the guide but the over hang fits in the gap and will be trimmed flush to the side.

The components for the Channel routing system are precision CNC machined in our shop. By design the table is meant to be fastened to a workbench using two screws. We have found this to be an ideal working height in addition to providing a compact space saving configuration. The vacuum port is the standard 2 ¼” diameter.

The guidance scheme on the KMG Binding System works differently. The sides and the Top or Back of the body are used to regulate the height and depth of the channels. The adjustable guide and the platen form a wedge shape/corner. The matching edge of the body is simply moved across the wedge – in fact, care must be taken to make sure the channel is cut the entire height and depth. As illustrated below even if the body contacts the bit at steep angle off the table only a minor error would occur.

BONUS FEATUREA two minute modification converts the unit into a precision Top and Back overhang trimmer

If it occurred to you that the hobby tower and articulating monster binding machines may be built up-side down you are correct -- that is why you'll never see those gadgets in a factory tour video. Like KMG those seeking high quality and efficiency keep it simple --- read on!

Note that the KMG binding machines are never sold on EBay contact us direct to get the current pricing and to place your order